Music Lessons in Pleasanton, CA

Instruments: Guitar

I have been a proffesional teacher, educator, and internationally touring artist for the last 12 years. I have been very fortunate to travel all around the world and share my music and love for teaching with many diverse audiences. Such experiences has made me develop an even stronger appreciation as to the powers of music and art, and their importance as an integral part of our communities. It has aslo made me study and approach the material throuhg many different directions and viewpoints so that I can relate and transmit it succesfully to my students. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

Music is such a fantastic tool for keeping children productive in a creative way. By simultaneously working on technique and theory, my students learn how to support an ensemble with their own creative input. I also help students understand their limitations not as faults or failings, but as guidelines for the creative process. Composition/Songwriting is a major element of this course. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Music is my life. I actually enjoy teaching music and being creative with all ages and all kinds of people. Ive had the opportunity to play all over the world with jazz bands, Afro Cuban ensembles, top 40 bands as well as my own band which is a mix of original music that is jazz, r and b, soul, hip hop, reggae, latin and funk. I also direct a singing group in Richmond called Voices of Reason. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Acoustic Guitar

I firmly believe that, as the Latin derivation of the word "Educate" would demonstrate, the key to teaching is NOT in the pouring of information into a student, but in the "Drawing Out" (E Ducere) of the student's interest and instincts... While lesson plans are very helpful as tools, I prefer to PERSONALIZE my instruction by first assessing the innate desires of the student and their initial acumen--and THEN devising a plan that COMBINES what THEY want with what i know as an educator will lead them to THEIR goals... Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been teaching piano for over twenty years. My teaching philosophy is that every piano lesson should be fun. For young beginners, I focus on basic technique. The reason is that it is very important to form good playing skills right from the beginning. For older students, I broaden their musical knowlege by introducing piano literature from different time periods. I also encourage them to pick songs that they like to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience is primarily with private voice and piano lessons. I began teaching as a private instructor in 2010, and have taught privately since. I've had the pleasure of working with a diverse age group from Pre-k to Seniors, and from Beginners to Advanced. I teach fundamentals and technique, but my primary focus in teaching is to inspire the student to explore their instrument, and what it's capable of. I am much more inclined toward cultivating Artists than I am in cultivating immaculate performers. Read More